Meeting changing event visitor expectations

Events can provide a source of visitors for both the tourism and hospitality industries. Rather than relying solely on existing events and attractions, tourism and hospitality managers can collaborate to create new events that attract visitors. Many types of events can be created, but all are intangible service products, which makes them challenging to promote. Visitors have the opportunity to attend many competing events. They want events that provide an authentic experience that is representative of the local community. To choose the right event, the organization needs to analyze the community to determine what type of experience it can offer. Visitors are savvy consumers who research social media to learn from the experience of previous visitors. The event chosen to attend becomes part of the visitor’s sense of self-identity. There are many different types of events, including sports, entertainment, heritage and culture. Events can also be packaged around visitors’ interest in the environment or volunteering. The event should have the support of the community and lead to economic development.